Bergerie A Macchia

Bergerie A Macchia is surrounded by wild countryside with just a small handful of villas dotted across the landscapes, around 7km north of Porto Vecchio.

Despite the house’s rural setting, it’s only a 700m drive along country lanes to the road that connects Bonifacio, Porto Vecchio and the north of the island. In the other direction, you can reach the coast in around 3km with campsites, villas and the odd hotel scattered across a bay. Continue along the coastal road to Plage de Saint Cyprien (7km), one of Corsica’s most loved beaches. It is a long sandy bay backed by summer restaurants on one end and wilder landscapes on the other. There is a choice of seasonal watersports and the sea is usually calm, clear and gently-shelving.

Slightly further north is Plage de Pinarellu (12km), another idyllic spot thanks to its white sandy shores backed by pine trees. South of Porto Vecchio, the famous beaches of Santa Giulia (15km) and Palombaggia (18km) are best visited in quieter months, whilst there are many gorgeous bays and stretches of coastline around Bonifacio and Figari.

Of course, this part of southern Corsica is wonderful for keen walkers whether following coastal trails nearby or heading into the mountains for hikes across La Forêt de l'Ospédale and the Col de Bavella, a superb way to discover the incredible scenery of Corsica’s rugged interiors. Outdoor adventurists can experience a great range of activities such as mountain biking, cycling, canyoning and more.

You are bound to spend time in Porto Vecchio (7km) with its historic quarter and marina whether pottering around the town’s narrow lanes and little shops, dining in one of Porto Vecchio’s excellent restaurants or spending an evening in a glitzy bar.

Bonifacio (27km) is also worthy of a fantastic day out, such an enchanting place with its characterful citadel perched high above the limestone cliffs enjoying the most sensational sea views. Pop into artisan food shops for picnic supplies, then hop on a boat to the very remote and beautiful Lavezzi Islands.

Read more about Southern Corsica

From the family-friendly beaches of Porto Vecchio to the dramatic mountain peaks of the Col de Bavella, the southern region of the Mediterranean’s fourth largest island offers you the diverse landscapes, historic towns and iconic coastline that Corsica is so famous for.

Starting in the south-eastern corner of the island, the coastline is truly impressive with turquoise coloured water and soft sand often backed by beachside restaurants and shady trees. Embrace the scent of salt air and pines at Plage de Pinarellu with its crystal-clear sea or spend the day at Plage de Saint Cyprien famed for its gently-shelving shores and summer watersports. On the other side of Porto Vecchio bay are the two famous beaches of Palombaggia and Santa Giulia – head out early to avoid the many visitors who flock to these photogenic beaches in the height of the summer. Further south, Plage de Rondinara is yet another idyllic bay with shallow clear water and fine white sand.

Experience the glamour of Porto Vecchio, once a historic harbour and citadel, now a vibrant town increasingly loved by jet-setters who appreciate its character and natural beauty. It’s a joy to potter around Porto Vecchio’s old town in the evening with boutiques, bars and a range of restaurants for every taste (seafood, pizzas, salads as well as more traditional Corsican dishes).  

The jewel of southern Corsica is arguably the exquisite town of Bonifacio with its historic citadel perched above dramatic limestone cliffs and the most incredible vistas of the sea. The citadel’s warren of medieval lanes will enchant you and there is a wealth of restaurants to choose from showcasing some of Corsica’s delicious cuisine – imagine lamb and rosemary, wild boar casserole with chestnuts, cannelloni au brocciu and Mediterranean seafood. Boats from the marina whisk you away to the Lavezzi Islands for more serene beauty. Meanwhile, keen golfers will already be familiar with the prestigious Golf de Spérone in a spectacular setting with views towards Sardinia.

Heading towards the south-west of the island, pass the wilder shores of the Figari coastline (Plage de la Tonnara is a  favourite) and venture through the mountainous landscapes of forest, vineyards and olive groves towards the mountain village of Sartène with its charming squares, restaurant terraces and wonderful market on a Saturday morning. Don’t miss pristine bays along the Valinco Gulf such as Campomoro and Porto Pollo as well as the pre-historic menhirs of Filitosa, before eventually arriving into the handsome city of Ajaccio, birthplace of Napoleon Bonaparte.

The rugged interiors of southern Corsica are also not to missed from the pine and beech forests of the Forêt de l'Ospédale near Porto Vecchio to the mountain village of Zonza and the incredible Col de Bavella peaks. Discover walking trails, hiking routes, rock-climbing, canyoning  and other adventures amidst the awe-inspiring scenery of Corse-du-Sud.

Whether you choose a rural bergerie near Porto Vecchio, a more contemporary abode overlooking the sea or a beautiful getaway with mountain views, Oliver’s Travels is proud to offer a range of hand-picked villas in southern Corsica.